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There are currently 22 member reviews
for Jane and Dan at the End of the World
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Borderlass, Belmont, MA
A Timely Tale
I can't recall a book I've read from cover to cover without stopping, but it happened to me with this latest book by Colleen Oakley. It's a fun combination of action thriller and zeitgeist distiller - all done with relatable characters in this most contemporary of novels. This will appeal to book groups and likely will have many exploring more of Colleen Oakley's fiction writing upon completion of this tale. Her touches of humor and satirical depiction of current American society somehow combine well with the underlying suspenseful drama resulting in a most entertaining read.... a dose of Anthony Trollope with a dash of Dan Brown - quirky but compelling.
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Gwen C. (Clearfield, PA)
Quite the Caper
The title was a little off putting but the book -fantastic! Even the chapters grouped under specific headings and the bomb pictures added to the suspense and delight. Jane, long married, tired of influencers' dictates, could have been me speaking. Husband Dan's unimaginative plodding along irritates her -especially when she discovers an affair. Why not ask for a divorce while out for dinner celebrating your anniversary? Her 6 year old, not well received novel added to the hilarity as the story unfolded. The serious. climate concerns were handed deftly, and did make one think. This book is a page turner with characters you won't soon forget. Who knew Elon Musk was the second richest man in the world?
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Mary L. (Greeley, CO)
Hilarity, Heart, and Twists
This novel tempts a reader to cancel every other life obligation to keep reading. As the mid-life Dan and Jane celebrate their 19th anniversary, more than a little bored and unsure of their love and how well they have parented their two children, life throws them a curve ball--a terrorist group hostage crisis. In one moment a reader shares their terror and in the next laughs at their conversations and at another unexpected twist. Brilliantly covering both the domestic ennui of midlife as well as global climate and political issues a reader comes to the heart of what truly matters--liking who you love.
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Barbara B. (Harlingen, TX)
Jane and Dan At the End of the World
In my 86 years I have read thousands of mystery/thriller books. This plot is so original and clever I read it start to finish in one day. Jan and Dan go to an exclusive posh restaurant to celebrate their anniversary.. Before they can order a group of young thugs enter and take all of the diners hostage. Who are they and why? Even the ending is unexpected. To tell more would ruin the experience for all readers.
It was so much joy to read Jane and Dan I plan to read more by its author, Colleen Oakely.
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Dawn Z. (Canton, MI)
A quick read
I enjoyed parts of this book, including the humorous writing style, but the plot was a little outlandish. I read the book quickly a couple of weeks ago but remember little of the ending. I also received an ARC of The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise, which I enjoyed more than this book.
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Bill B. (Choctaw, OK)
The End
I enjoyed Ms. Oakley's novel. She sustained suspense and a comic wit from the opening of their date night through the conclusion. Well done, Madame novelist.
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Jamie K. (Berkeley, CA)
How Far Would You Go?
Jane and Dan at the End of the World
Jane and Dan go to one of the most elite restaurants on the planet to celebrate their 20th (or is it their 19th?) wedding anniversary. Just as they dig into some alien-like claws that Jane says look like they were harvested out of Sigourney Weaver's stomach, their dinner is interrupted by a group of eco-terrorists running a script that rings all too familiar to novelist, Jane. What follows is a twisty, crazy heist story with hostages, weapons, and a motley group of leaderless rebels who sometimes seem as confused as their hostages.
Well-plotted, highly entertaining, humorous, and somewhat political, Jane and Dan at the End of the World is a fun, quick read about going to the end of the world only to find what you're looking for is right in front of you. It's a quick-paced caper, but sometimes just as the suspense builds and you're dying to know what happens next, the page turns and Jane or Dan start musing about their lives, breaking up the pace and taking you out of the story. I tried to rush back in, but these interruptions took away some of the magic of this original, keep-you-guessing, tale of love, anarchy, and the clash between the haves and have-nots.
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